The KNM Helge Ingstad was coming back from Nato military exercises when it hit the tanker in Hjeltefjord near Bergen. According to initial reports, seven people sustained injuries in the collision while all 137 people rescued. The Sola TS tanker slightly damaged and did not spill oil.

The Maltese-flagged vessel had departed the Equinor’s Sture oil delivery terminal containing a cargo of North Sea crude. Sture is a major export oil terminal and temporarily closed down as a precautionary measure.

Officials report

An anonymous official reported that a ‘small oil slick’ had been noticed from the frigate. The official further added: “It took on a lot of water and there is a real danger that it sinks where it is.” The tanker has a crew of 23 onboard. It was returning to port for the check.

Lieutenant Colonel Ivar Moen also reported a news source that: “The armed forces is now reviewing all the means available in the region to assist the KNM Helge Ingstad (the damaged warship)”.